What is the opposite of love? Most would likely say that hate is and there is some truth in such a sentiment.
But is hate the fundamental antithesis of love? I am not convinced and here’s why.
Hate is a symptom much like jealousy or anger or malice. These function as systemic manifestations of a deeper malady.
That disease? Unforgiveness.
I hate someone because I am unwilling to forgive them. I am jealous of someone because I am unforgiving of their talent or treachery. I am angry at another because I am unforgiving their actions or words. I show malice towards a person because to forgive them seems like surrender.
This is why Christmas is such an important religious consideration.
The premise of the bible is that humanity has turned from a good nature to an unwholesome one. That people universally have rejected their creator’s love. And that God, rather than exact hate, jealousy, or malice, has instead chosen to forgive such egregious behaviors for those who will receive them.
Unlike the commutation of a penal sentence which simply reduces one’s incarceration time, or a pardon that forgives the offender for any past actions, in a legal sense, God has expunged our record altogether.
How? By placing the guilt and penalty for sin on his son. This is the follow-up to the Christmas story, namely the Easter narrative.
But it all began with a child. Forgiveness has a source.
Imagine it like this.
You are a young man, and you have been caught shoplifting. In court, the judge decides you are, in fact, guilty of the crime of theft. The sentence is an expensive fine for which you are unable to pay and must face jail time. Your heart sinks as the gavel falls knowing that your freedom will soon be over for a season.
Then, something remarkable happens. The judge takes off his robe, walks down from his bench, stands by you, and proceeds to pay the expensive fine on your behalf.
Why would he do such a thing?
The reason?
The judge is also your father. At great cost to him, he spares your guilt and makes the necessary sacrifice to keep you from jail.
Would anyone fault such love and forgiveness?
Christmas is just this simple.
A child is born who takes upon himself the cost for guilt that humanity has accrued.
Christ, the gift, the giver, and the one who forgives.
Forgiveness is the expression of God’s love for you and me.
Merry Christmas!
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ.
